UTSA Housing COVID-19 Isolation/Quarantine Protocol

Housing and Residence Life (HRL) is committed to an effective and efficient response to COVID-19. HRL will work closely with health officials regarding mitigation steps to minimize community spread on campus including self-isolation or quarantine procedures for residents. However, our ability to bring back and maintain traditional on-campus experiences this fall is highly dependent on residents taking personal responsibility to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. Getting vaccinated is the best way to ensure infections in campus housing remain low and prevent the reinstatement of limitations on in-person classes, campus events, activities and services. We strongly urge you to get vaccinated now so we can all enjoy campus life to its fullest this fall.

Residents that experience close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to report via the self-reporting tool available on the Roadrunner Roadmap website.

In response to their self-report, HRL will support residents through the process utilizing the following guidelines.

1) After reporting, all residents should take these preliminary steps:

a) Remain within their unit or off campus pending direction from Student Health Services and/or HRL.

b) It is highly recommended that you wear a face covering inside your living unit.
c) Avoid contact with roommates.
d) Clean and disinfect all points of contact.
e) Notify roommates so that roommates can protect themselves inside their living unit.
f) For immediate medical attention, contact UTSA PD at 210-458-4911.
g) For non-emergency assistance, contact your community desk during normal business hours or the RA on-call for your community. Contact information will be provided via email by HRL with other instructions.

2) Quarantine

a) Fully vaccinated residents (including the booster), exposed to a COVID-19 positive person but not reporting symptoms, are not required to quarantine unless symptoms develop. Guidance is to wear a mask around others for 10 days and test on day 5, if possible.

i) Residents experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will need to submit a new self-report and transition to housing isolation protocols regardless of vaccination status.

b) Per current CDC guidance, residents not fully vaccinated and exposed to a COVID-19 positive person will need to quarantine for 5 days and continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days, either off-campus or within their residential pod. Test on day 5, if possible.

3) Isolation

a) Residents are encouraged to immediately depart campus to an off-campus isolation location for their isolation period. Isolation away from campus may be more convenient and comfortable than remaining on-campus and offers the best protection for the residential community. The isolation period begins on the first day of symptoms or day of positive test results for asymptomatic individuals. Isolation begins with a 5 day period. If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can resume activity while continuing to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. If you have a fever or symptoms have not improved after 5 days, continue to stay home for up to 10 days, until your fever resolves, and symptoms improve.
b) Residents with individual bedrooms will isolate within their unit.
c) Residents with shared bedrooms will be handled on a case by case basis. HRL will evaluate the following criteria when determining to relocate a resident for isolation:

i) Resident is unable to isolate at their off-campus evacuation location.
ii) Vaccination or previous positive COVID-19 status of roommate, if known.
iii) Underlying health factors presented by those involved.
iv) Reporting timeline and predicted length of stay in separate isolation location.
v) HRL will coordinate the isolation plan with all residents impacted. Residents will be required to isolate in a separate location if HRL cannot identify a safe manner for the resident to remain in their current location.
vi) Residents will be assigned individually unless another member of the residential pod must also isolate or space limitations require consolidation.
vii) Residents must relocate to isolation within 24 hours.
viii) Residents should only take the items necessary for the temporary isolation period.

4) Meal Delivery

a) Campus Dining will provide meals twice per day for residents in quarantine or isolation.
b) Meals will be charged to resident meal plans.
c) Residents without meal plans will be charged $25 per day. Charges will be posted to the residents’ account at the end of the quarantine / isolation period.
d) Meal orders must be submitted at least one day in advance.

5) During Quarantine / Isolation On-Campus:

a) Remain inside your room and avoid contact with any other residents.
b) Monitor health conditions daily and complete the daily health tracking log to record health symptoms.

i) Submit the isolation log to Wellness 360 (student health clinic operated by UT Health) when instructed.

c) Ensure cell phones or other means of communication remain charged and available for use.
d) Hydrate and eat healthy meals.
e) Continue to wash hands frequently.
f) Clean and disinfect bedroom and door surfaces.
g) Clean and disinfect bathrooms and other shared areas / surfaces before and after use.
h) Adhere to academic continuity procedures as established by the university to facilitate your academic progress. Students may refer to their syllabi for guidance on academic continuity, absenteeism, and other COVID-related matters that they may need to coordinate with course instructors.

i) Communicate virtually with family, friends, classmates and remain engaged in university activities.
j) Contact university support services if assistance is required. Refer to the contact list at the end of this checklist for information on many services.

k) Adhere to meal delivery procedures

i) Order meals at least one (1) day in advance.
ii) Be available during scheduled delivery times to receive prepared food.
iii) Meal delivery will be contactless.
l) Adhere to trash removal procedures
i) Secure all trash within a fully enclosed trash bag for disposal.
ii) Double bag the trash to prevent rips, tears or damage to the bag that would allow trash to escape.
iii) Place trash outside the unit no more than one hour before the designated trash pickup schedule.
iv) Trash should never be placed outside the unit the night before to reduce the presence of animals.

m) Laundry equipment will be unavailable during isolation. Prepare enough clothing for the entire length of isolation. In the event that additional clothing is required during isolation, work with HRL to discuss safe laundry options/services.